ARJ21-700 vs Saab 340
The ARJ21-700 leads, topping 7 of 7 compared metrics.
The COMAC ARJ21-700 (introduced 2016) and the Saab Saab 340 (introduced 1984) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are regional, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the ARJ21-700 carries more passengers. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
ARJ21-700 vs Saab 340: the key differences
- The ARJ21-700 delivers 138% more range (ARJ21-700: 2,225 nm; Saab 340: 935 nm).
- The ARJ21-700 delivers 69% more cruise speed (ARJ21-700: 422 kt; Saab 340: 250 kt).
- The ARJ21-700 delivers 157% more passenger capacity (ARJ21-700: 90 seats; Saab 340: 35 seats).
- The ARJ21-700 is the newer design (introduced 2016 versus 1984 for the Saab 340), a gap of 32 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The ARJ21-700 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (89,947 lbs versus 29,000 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The ARJ21-700 is the stronger fit for transcontinental missions — its 2,225 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The Saab 340, at 935 nm, is better matched to short-haul and regional hops, where lower trip cost counts for more than outright reach. If most of your flying sits inside the Saab 340's range, the ARJ21-700's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the ARJ21-700 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The Saab 340 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
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ARJ21-700 vs Saab 340: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the ARJ21-700 or the Saab 340?
The ARJ21-700 has the longer published range — 2,225 nm versus 935 nm for the Saab 340.
Does the ARJ21-700 or Saab 340 seat more passengers?
The ARJ21-700 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 90 seats, compared with 35 on the Saab 340.
Which is faster, the ARJ21-700 or the Saab 340?
The ARJ21-700 cruises faster, at 422 kt versus 250 kt for the Saab 340.
Which is newer, the ARJ21-700 or the Saab 340?
The ARJ21-700 is the newer design, introduced in 2016 versus 1984 for the Saab 340.
Is the ARJ21-700 or the Saab 340 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the ARJ21-700 is the larger aircraft — 89,947 lbs versus 29,000 lbs for the Saab 340.
Should I buy the ARJ21-700 or the Saab 340?
On published specifications the ARJ21-700 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The Saab 340 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the ARJ21-700 vs Saab 340?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.